The Interlake-Eastern Suicide Prevention Committee is inviting residents in select communities to join them for a cup of coffee in recognition of mental health awareness week, May 2 to 8. The theme this year is Let’s talk mental health – make it your business.

“Interlake-Eastern Suicide Prevention Committee has partnered with businesses and community centres to provide residents an opportunity to have a coffee with us and talk. Mental health is an often overlooked part of whole health and many people aren’t aware of the supports available to help. We’ll have information available on how to help someone who is struggling and what mental health services are available,” said Laura Tanguay, clinical team manager with the community mental health program.

Mental health workers, wellness facilitators, and volunteers from the Interlake-Eastern Suicide Prevention Committee will be in the following communities on the days and times indicated:

“This is our second time offering the “Coffee on Us” event,” Tanguay said. “We’ve doubled the number of sites we are at this year, which is great to see. We’re also thrilled to be able to partner with the Mobile Bus and will be at the community centres on the same dates as the Mobile Bus is that week.”

Tanguay identified that Statistics Canada reports men 65-and-older have high rates of suicide, consistently approaching or surpassing the rate of 20 per 100,000.

“At these events we will also talk about how to support someone who may be struggling. It can make a difference to a friend or family member and it all helps to reduce the stigma around mental health issues,” Tanguay said.

Residents in Interlake-Eastern RHA that require an urgent response and mental health assessment can call the 24 Hour Crisis Line at 1.866.427.8628 or mobile crisis services at 1.877.499.8770. For non-urgent referrals to the community mental health program, residents can call 1.866.757.6205 to access mental health services.

Interlake-Eastern suicide prevention committee is composed of representatives from Interlake-Eastern RHA and other community based organizations and agencies. For more information on mental health well-being, please see our Healthy Mind Healthy Body tip sheet.